When a crown makes sense
We suggest a crown when a tooth is cracked, when a filling has grown so large that little natural tooth is left, or after a root canal on a back tooth. We show you the photo or X-ray that led to the suggestion.
The two visits
At the first visit we numb the tooth, shape it, take a digital scan and fit a temporary crown. A dental lab makes the final crown in about two weeks. At the second visit we remove the temporary and cement the final crown. Each visit takes about an hour.
Bridges
A bridge is three or more crowns joined together: the two teeth beside a gap hold a false tooth between them. If an implant suits you better, we explain both options and refer you to a surgeon we trust for the implant itself.
Questions about crowns and bridges
Does insurance pay for crowns?
Many PPO plans pay part of a crown after your deductible. We send a pre-estimate to your plan and show you the expected cost before we start.
Will the crown match my other teeth?
We match the shade to the teeth beside it, in daylight from the window, before the lab makes it, so it blends in.
Reviewed by Dr. Nora Halvorsen, DMD, October 7, 2026